Things You'll Need
Tape measure
Scale
Measuring copper pipe requires knowledge of two basic tools -- tape measure and scale. Determining a pipe's length is the most common measurement. You might also need to know the pipe's circumference, diameter or weight. Take the measurements yourself, but you should get a helper if the section you need to measure is particularly long or heavy. Copper is a relatively soft metal, so marking long pieces can be done with a screwdriver or other metal object. There are two types of copper pipe -- rigid and flexible -- but processes for measuring them are the same.
Step 1
Determine the length of the pipe.
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Step 2
Place the end of the tape measure over the end of the pipe, if possible. Otherwise, hold the tape against the pipe.
Step 3
Extend the tape along the pipe by walking away from your starting point if the end is hooked to the pipe. Extend the tape by hand if it is not hooked to the pipe.
Step 4
Note the length of the tape when you reach the end of the pipe.
Step 5
Wrap the tape measure around the pipe and note the distance to measure the circumference. Divide the circumference by 3.14 to get the diameter.
Step 6
Place the pipe on a scale, if possible, to measure its weight.
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